| Summer Safety Alerts Summer is here, and the warm weather creates more opportunities for crime. Working together, we can keep our neighborhood among the safest in the city. Armitage-Halsted Retail Corridor
Residents and businesses alike should be safe to live and do business in our community
. As a result of a couple of reported daylight robberies at stores along Halsted, and at my urging, the 18th District Police Commander has instituted an increased presence along the Armitage/Halsted corridor,
including a dedicated foot patrol and an additional car to the area in the afternoon.
Home Repair Fraud Scam Alert
It has come to our attention that two men posing as contractors have been approaching homeowners in the alley or street seeking to solicit work. The men ask to do concrete work, and in a specific case, used a leaf blower to create a distraction to further damage the concrete, subsequently demanding payment to repair the damage they created. They often target seniors or others they believe they can intimidate.
Click here to view an image of a man who was recently soliciting work for "Illinois Construction" and "Lopez Construction" on the 1800 block of Dayton, which was reported to police. Police believe these are unlicensed individuals engaged in a fraud.
If you encounter any such individuals, tell them to leave your property or you will dial 9-1-1, and then call 9-1-1.
Overall Safety Tips It is very important, especially in the warmer months, to be aware of your surroundings and if you see something, say something. If you see something suspicious, please call 9-1-1. Many of us may be hesitant to call 9-1-1, but the fact is, your 9-1-1 calls are used by the police to direct police resources. When dialing 9-1-1, please be as specific as possible. Describe the activity that is taking place, the address, a description of the individuals involved, a license plate number and vehicle description, and as much other detail as possible. You can also text the police (but please call in an actual emergency). Text CRIMES (274637) and enter your tip with as much detail as possible, including photos. Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day. A special program keeps the tips anonymous.
It's also a great idea to create a phone or text tree, email chain or Facebook group to communicate and report concerns and neighbors- but make sure to call the police with the same information.
Additional summer safety tips from the Chicago Police Department can be found
here. By working together, we can ensure we have an enjoyable and safe summer.
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